Wave Hill Weekly Events: Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Forest Bathing, Winter Birding, Yoga, Family Art Project

 

The wintry landscapes of the gardens and views of the Hudson allow for tranquility and a quiet reflection as we ease into the new year. At Wave Hill, winter is a time to experience the stillness of nature while holding onto the warmth of our communities. Whether exploring the grounds or joining weekend family-friendly events, visitors of all ages can enjoy the garden’s winter escapes. 

 

The voices of those who fought for change remain powerful and awe-inspiring. During the holiday weekend, Wave Hill will pay homage the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the women of the Gee Bend Community, highlighting the milestones they made to create a brighter future and a better tomorrow. Take a stroll through the gardens Jan 19 and consider the rich history and learn more with our guides.  

 

 

Forest Bathing in the Winter Landscape 

Sat, Jan 11, 12:00PM – 2:00PM 

Registration required.    

Bundle up and explore Wave Hill’s serene winter landscape using all your senses. Awaken your mind and body on a forest bathing walk through the winter gardens with certified nature therapy guide Cindy Olsen. Benefits include boosts to the immune system, cardiovascular strength-building, stress reduction, improvement to cognitive functioning, and deepening connections to nature and the self. This event is for adults only.     

 

 

Family Art Project: Weathering a Storm 

Sat, Jan 11 10:00AM – 1:00PM 

Sun, Jan 12 10:00AM – 1:00PM   

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

Get ready to hunker down as the frigid winter air breezes by. Flurries, snowfalls, blizzards, and sleet—storms are a natural process and have a big impact on our lives. Join us in learning the art and science of forecasting a storm while creating your own snow globes.   

 

 

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk 

Sun, Jan 12, 1:00PM – 2:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required.    

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. 

 

 

Winter Birding 

Sun, Jan 12, 9:30AM – 11:00AM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration encouraged.    

The Hudson River Valley hosts an impressive diversity of bird species, even during the winter months. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodlands with birding guide, Gabriel Willow, to observe birds in their winter habitat. Birders of all levels encouraged. A limited number of binoculars, monoculars and walking sticks are available to borrow at the Perkins Visitor Center. Birding is suitable for Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.  

 

 

Family Art Project: Freedom Quilters of Gee’s Bend 

Sat, Jan 18, 10:00AM – 1:00PM 

Sun, Jan 19 10:00AM – 1:00PM   

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

In 1966 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited the Gee’s Bend Community in rural Alabama and the Freedom Quilting Bee was established. The bold patterns and bright colors of these now famous quilts made from fabric scraps would later go on to fund aspects of the community’s freedom. Create your own fabric collage to honor Dr. King’s Birthday and the inspiring women quilters of Gee’s Bend. At 11:30am families can learn more about the holiday with a storytime program in the Gund Theater, all ages welcome.  

 

 

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk 

Sun, Jan 19, 1:00PM – 2:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required.    

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. 

 

 

Warming Winter Yoga 

Sun, Jan 19, 11:00AM – 12:00PM 

$25, including admission to the grounds 

Registration encouraged. 

Join us for our first ever Winter Yoga series! Held in the beautiful space of Armor Hall, the flow of each session is inspired by the frosty winter weather. While sheltered and warm, we'll be surrounded by a panoramic view of our Conifer Slope and majestic trees, offering an inspiring winter backdrop. This new series is one you won't want to miss!  

 

 

WINTER HOURS STARTING NOV 1: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service Free from Subway and Metro-North, Thursday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.  

DEC Finalizes Regulations to Protect Freshwater Wetlands

 

New Regulations will Protect an Estimated One Million Additional Acres of Wetland Habitat and Implement Changes to Freshwater Wetlands Act

DEC Hosting Informational Webinar Jan. 15 to Provide Information on Updated Freshwater Wetland Regulations 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced the adoption of updated regulations to protect freshwater wetlands across New York State. The regulations implement new statutory requirements under the State’s Freshwater Wetlands Act that will safeguard an estimated one million additional acres of wetland habitat. 

“Protecting freshwater wetlands is critical to the health of New York’s natural environment, helping protect communities from flooding through natural resiliency and creating habitats for fish and wildlife,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “The updated regulations include additional guidance to ensure the long-term health of these vital ecosystems, which provide economic and ecological benefits to communities across the state. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, DEC will continue to work closely with property owners and developers to ensure the implementation of these updated regulations balance environmental protection and economic and renewable energy development.”

Freshwater wetlands are lands and submerged lands—commonly called marshes, swamps, sloughs, and bogs—that support aquatic or semi-aquatic vegetation. Protecting freshwater wetlands is essential for preserving biodiversity, as wetlands provide critical habitats for numerous plant and animal species. These ecosystems improve water quality by filtering pollutants, mitigate flooding by absorbing excess rainfall, and play a significant role in carbon sequestration. 

The updated regulations take effect in January 2025, and clarify jurisdictional status of smaller wetlands of “unusual importance” that meet one of 11 specific criteria contained in the State’s amended Freshwater Wetlands Act, which was modernized as part of the 2022-2023 Enacted State Budget. In addition, the regulations provide a streamlined wetlands classification system and process for the public to request and appeal jurisdictional determinations.

“Audubon is thrilled that the Department of Environmental Conservation has adopted strong regulations that will protect over a million acres of freshwater wetlands in New York State,” National Audubon Society Policy Director Erin McGrath said. “Wetlands provide shelter, rest, and nourishment for millions of birds and important ecosystem services to New Yorkers across the state – but they are in crisis. Updating the regulations to enact the historic reforms made to the New York State Freshwater Wetlands Act in 2022 will allow the Department to protect these critical resources for the birds and people that rely on them. We thank Governor Hochul, Interim Commissioner Mahar, and the Department for their commitment to protecting our wetlands.”

“These historic wetlands regulatory reforms will make New York’s communities more resilient to the catastrophic floods, droughts, and ecological disruption brought on by the climate crisis,” Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter Conservation Director Roger Downs said. “State and municipal leaders will now have the tools to identify and enhance the diverse mosaic of wetlands that protects New York’s infrastructure, drinking water, and biodiversity. The Sierra Club applauds Governor Hochul, Commissioner Mahar and all the support staff who have tirelessly labored over the new rules to create an effective new freshwater wetlands and vernal pools protection program. With the increasing severity of climate change, these reforms could not have come soon enough.”

“The Nature Conservancy is thrilled that stronger protections for freshwater wetlands in New York State will take effect on January 1,” The Nature Conservancy's New York Executive Director Bill Ulfelder said. “We commend Governor Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation for finalizing new rules to protect one million acres of wetlands. Healthy wetlands clean our air and water by naturally removing contaminants, buffer communities from flooding and droughts, and provide habitat to wildlife and many endangered species. The expansion of state wetland protections is a huge win for New York and the country.”

DEC will host a webinar on Jan. 15, 2025, at 2 p.m. to provide information and answer questions about the updated Freshwater Wetlands program regulations. Registration for the webinar is available here. A recording of the webinar will be posted on DEC’s website when available. Additional public engagement sessions—including webinars and community workshops—are planned for 2025.

The final regulations and additional resources, including maps and information, are available on DEC’s website: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/waterbodies/wetlands/freshwater-wetlands-program

In addition to the finalized regulations, DEC proposed a statewide general permit for various activities in State-regulated freshwater wetlands and adjacent areas, protected waterbodies, and navigable waters. The Freshwater Wetlands General Permit (GP-0-25-003) would be for a five-year term to allow for the repair, replacement, or removal of existing structures and facilities; construction or modification of various residential, commercial, industrial, or public structures; temporary installation of access roads and laydown areas; cutting trees and vegetation; drilling test wells; and routine beach maintenance and replenishment in areas under DEC jurisdiction. The draft permit can be found on DEC’s Freshwater Wetlands General Permit website. Public comments will be accepted through Jan. 27, 2025, and can be submitted via email to DEPPermitting@dec.ny.gov or via mail to NYSDEC Division of Environmental Permits, Attn: Kristen Cady-Poulin, 4th Floor, NYSDEC 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233-1750. DEC is also developing additional draft freshwater wetland general permits in 2025.

U.S. Attorney’s Office Sues And Settles With Katz’s Deli To Ensure Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance

 

Katz’s Deli Agrees to Improve Physical Accessibility of New York Eatery and Pay $20,000 Penalty

Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the filing and settlement of a lawsuit against the owner and operator of KATZ’S DELICATESSEN OF HOUSTON ST. INC. (“KATZ’S DELI”) for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).  The settlement, in the form of a consent decree, was entered by U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim said: “The corrections and modifications agreed to by Katz’s Deli will give individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy one of New York City’s most popular restaurants, as is required by the ADA.”

The lawsuit and consent decree brings to a close the Office’s Manhattan Restaurants ADA Compliance Initiative, first announced in September 2011.  As part of the initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reviewed and evaluated the ADA compliance of the 50 “most popular” restaurants in Manhattan as designated by the 2011 Zagat Guide.

Many restaurants required only minor accessibility improvements to comply with the law, and over the next few years, the Office resolved its concerns by letter to approximately two dozen restaurants.  In approximately two dozen cases where more extensive accessibility improvements were necessary, the Office entered into voluntary compliance agreements.  In two cases, where there were multiple locations of restaurants with significant barriers to accessibility, the Office filed suit: the Office filed a complaint against the owners and operators of three Rosa Mexicano restaurants on October 15, 2012, and the Court approved the Consent Decree with the owners of Rosa Mexicano on January 30, 2013.  The Office filed a complaint on October 30, 2013, against the owners and operators of two Carmine’s locations (Upper West Side and Theater District locations), and the Court approved the Consent Decree resolving that matter on November 12, 2013.  A handful of restaurants closed before the accessibility review could be completed.

According to the Complaint and Consent Decree filed in Manhattan federal court:

The U.S. Attorney’s Office identified numerous violations of the ADA at KATZ’S DELI, located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  Most significantly, the main entrance of KATZ’S DELI is not accessible, the restaurant does not provide sufficient dining surfaces for persons with disabilities, and despite having been renovated in 2018, its restrooms fail to comply with the ADA.

This consent decree requires KATZ’S DELI to improve the accessibility of their entrances, dining areas, and restrooms.  Notably, the consent decree provides for staff to assist individuals with disabilities in using the main public entrance, ensures that the required number of accessible dining surfaces are provided, and requires renovations to the men’s and women’s restrooms at KATZ’S DELI.  In addition, KATZ’S DELI will pay a $20,000 civil penalty to the U.S.

Mr. Kim thanked the Disability Rights Section of the Department of Justice, in particular its architectural staff, for their assistance in this matter.

To file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation within the Southern District of New York is not accessible to persons with disabilities, use the Civil Rights Complaint Form available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s website, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/civil-rights.  Complaints should be emailed or sent by mail to:

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York

86 Chambers Street, 3rd Floor

New York, New York, 10007

Attention: Chief, Civil Rights Unit

USANYS-CivilRights@usdoj.gov 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Heavy Rain and Lake Effect Snow Expected to Impact New Year Holiday

Locally Heavy Rain Expected for Parts of New York City, Long Island and Central New York During New Year’s Eve Celebrations Tuesday Night

Heavy Lake Effect Snow East and Southeast of Lakes Erie and Ontario Starting Wednesday Night, and Continuing Through Sunday with Significant Snowfall Accumulations Possible Where Snow Bands Persist

Lake Effect Snow Warnings for areas in Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, and North Country Regions

New Yorkers Urged to Pay Attention to Local Forecast and Prepare for Inclement Weather Conditions

Governor Kathy Hochul updated New Yorkers on heavy rain and snow expected to impact New Year’s Eve celebrations downstate with possible heavy rain followed by a winter storm system set to impact some upstate areas through Sunday. Governor Hochul yesterday directed State agencies and urged New Yorkers to take precautions ahead of the expected storms. Tonight, locally heavy rain is forecast for parts of New York City, Long Island and Central New York. Those attending festivities in Times Square should expect to be impacted with heavy rain and plan accordingly. On Wednesday, Lake Effect Snow will develop east and southeast of Lakes Erie and Ontario, continuing into the weekend. Lake Effect Snow Warnings have been issued for areas in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and the North Country from Wednesday morning to Sunday night. For northern Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties, total snow accumulations of up to 3 feet are possible in the most persistent lake snows by the end of the multiple day event. For other areas, snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet are possible in the most persistent lake snows through Sunday. Winds in these locations could gust as high as 45 mph, impacting the Thursday morning commute with hazardous travel conditions including blowing snow, reduced visibilities, slippery surfaces, and downed tree limbs

“As we ring in the New Year, I urge New Yorkers to remain alert and monitor their local forecasts with heavy rain and snow expected to impact areas across the State,” Governor Hochul said. “With expected heavy rain in New York City, visitors of Times Square should remain vigilant as they take part in the New Year’s Eve festivities. Significant snowfall accumulations are also expected Wednesday through Sunday in regions throughout Central and Western New York, and the North Country. New York State is no stranger to varying weather conditions, and on a night where New Yorkers may be outside celebrating, it’s imperative to stay weather aware.”

Winter Storm Watches have been issued for parts of Western New York, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley and the North Country from Wednesday through Sunday. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

Heating Safety

• Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters.
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation and follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces.
• Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work.
• If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:
  • Follow the manufacturers' instructions.
  • Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
  • Refuel outdoors only and only when the unit is cool.
  • Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
  • When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

For more safety tips, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety. For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit www.211nys.org/. 

What We Accomplished Together in 2024

Dear New Yorkers, 

It’s hard to believe (or maybe it’s very easy), but 2024 is coming to a close. 

For New Yorkers across the five boroughs, this year didn’t go by without serious challenges – from the skyrocketing cost of living (especially housing and child care) to ongoing crises of mental health and homelessness undermining safety in our streets, subways, and neighborhoods. 

We’ve got a President-elect threatening to deport our neighbors and undermine our democracy in Washington DC. Closer to home, our municipal government has been marred by indictments, resignations, and scandals.  

But there are bright spots of hope in this city everywhere you look. Something about New Yorkers: We often show our best stuff during dark times.  

The New York Liberty won the WNBA championship (in a thrilling final I was grateful to attend), and the Yankees and Mets made it deep into the postseason. Our economy has shown strong signs of resilience. Broadway attendance is finally back above pre-pandemic levels (last call to see Suffs and Stereophonic, great shows by some of my favorite New Yorkers, before they close). 

Here in the Comptroller’s Office, our tremendous staff of over 700 public servants worked hard these past twelve months to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of City government – in order to make government work better, strengthen trust, and build a more affordable, safer, and thriving city for all New Yorkers. 

Here are a few of the accomplishments I feel proudest of in 2024: 

The City’s pension funds saw annual investment returns of 10%, growing to their largest size ever, outpacing many of our peers, and saving $1.8 billion for taxpayers – so our City’s teachers, police officers, firefighters, sanitation workers, nurses, school crossing guards and more can enter the new year knowing their retirement security is sound. (And, I’m happy to say, we were helpful in making sure they don’t get pushed onto privatized Medicare Advantage plans, either). 

While earning those great returns, we led the way on responsible investing, with big shareholder engagement wins on climate and workers’ rights, both in the U.S. and abroad. The funds made big strides on diversity, increasing assets under management by MWBE managers by over $6 billion, a 37% increase since I took office. 

We brought a relentless focus to the housing crisis, including the pensions funds’ largest investment ever in preserving affordable housing, saving 35,000 rent stabilized units put at risk by the collapse of Signature Bank. Our innovative social bonds have now generated over $2 billion to finance over 7,000 units of low-income housing. Our Budget team did spotlights on the rental market, housing supply, and the homeownership market.  

Meanwhile, our Audit and Policy teams did deep dives and generated concrete recommendations to get affordable housing built faster, address big gaps in our street outreach programs, better connect homeless New Yorkers to stable housing, and dramatically improve repairs and accountability for NYCHA residents.    

Our team helped to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse across City agencies and contractors. We’ve reviewed over 60,000 City contracts this term. Where they were appropriate, we’ve turned them around faster than ever, with an average of 19 days, well below our Charter mandate of 30 days to register or return them.  

But where they didn’t pass muster, we sounded the alarm bell. When the Adams Administration gave a $432 million, no-bid contract to DocGo (a company with no track record providing shelter or services to asylum seekers) over our objection, we launched a real-time audit that revealed extensive mismanagement and got results. The contract was canceled – and responsibility for some of the asylum seekers was transferred to Jewish Family Services of Western New York, who are taking a refugee resettlement approach (i.e. providing legal and social services) that costs far less than DocGo and helps people move out of shelter and achieve self-sufficiency.  

We also outlined a detailed, actionable reform plan to prevent corruption in the City’s contracting and procurement practices, of the sort that has been in the news too much this year.     

Finally, we launched some great new dashboards to Measure NYC Government Performance and bring transparency to City government, including an Employer Violations Dashboard that brings together city, state, and federal workplace offenses (complete with an Employer Wall of Shame for the worst offenders), and a NYC Agency Staffing Dashboard that’s being cited as a national model.  

Those are just a few of the 2024 highlights of the work of our 700 staff across more than 16 bureaus: the Bureaus of Accountancy, Administration, Asset Management, Audit & Investigations, Budget, Communications, Contract Administration, Engineering, General Counsel, Law and Adjustment, Policy & Organizing, Public Affairs, Public Finance, and Workers’ Rights/Labor Law.  

I’m deeply proud of the important work happening here at 1 Centre Street, and immensely grateful to every single person here at the Comptroller’s Office.  

And I’m grateful, too, to New Yorkers like you, for vesting us with this responsibility. New York remains the greatest city in the world, despite our challenges. It is a profound honor to work together, day in and day out, to help fulfill its astonishing promise. 

As the year comes to a close, we mourn the loss of President Jimmy Carter, who showed what it looks like (in a world that often feels like it has lost much of its decency) to live a life of kindness, honor, devotion, and faith. 

In addition to his post-presidency work for peace and public health, I especially love that he kept building homes with Habitat for Humanity into his 90s (some of the first were on the Lower East Side). It’s such a simple yet powerful idea, that everyone should have a home –  and that we can all help make it happen.  

May we all find lessons in his powerful life of service. 

With gratitude for the work of our team, and with hope for a brighter 2025, 

Brad

EDITOR'S NOTE:

In case you didn't know who this was from, it came from City Comptroller Brad Lander, who did nothing to check on the abuse of overtime in not only the Police Department, but also in the Department of Corrections, and Department of Sanitation. 

Permits Filed for 1746 Monroe Avenue in Mount Hope, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 1746 Monroe Avenue in Mount Hope, The Bronx. Located between East 175th Street and Cross Bronx Expressway, the lot is near the 174-175 Streets subway station, served by the B and D trains. Chaim Eisdorfer is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 50-foot-tall development will yield 13,499 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 13 residences, most likely condos based on the average unit scope of 1,038 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a penthouse and a 30-foot-long rear yard.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.